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      I was in prison FIVE times before I turned my life around to become an EFL star… now I’m a full-time church pastor

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      ON October 28, 1988, Ricky Junior Otto was sentenced to four years in prison aged 20 — the last of his five jail terms.He accepts he was a thug, bully and out-and-out menace to society — a product of a violent culture which ruled with fear growing up in Hackney, East London.EFL hero Ricky Otto is now a church pastorCredit: SuppliedOtto exclusively revealed how two inmates serving a combined 41 years during his time in Wandsworth changed his lifeCredit: AlamyBut following the time he served at Wandsworth, on this occasion for armed robbery, Otto walked out on January 25, 1990 an entirely different person to the one who arrived.And, remarkably, it was two inmates serving lengthy sentences who provided him with a lightbulb moment that changed his life forever.Now 56, Otto revealed: “It was these two guys — one was doing 24 years for murder, the other 17 for manslaughter.“They had watched me playing football in the gym and realised I had a talent and expressed this in the most incredible way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They told me something that day I have never forgotten: ‘Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you’.“From that moment I understood what they meant: ‘Don’t just sit in prison doing nothing but rather start preparing yourself now for when you are released’.“After that I became a gym orderly and started to prepare myself mentally and physically for a life after prison. It was just the kick up the backside that I needed.“When I walked out of Wandsworth in 1990, I knew it was a new beginning — with football being my escape into a new world.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former winger said: “My immediate thought was to re-engage with my old team-mates who were now playing for amateur side Haringey Borough.“After a few games I got injured and I was sent for treatment at non-league Dartford. I ended up playing four games for them.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing Fan “My performances caught the eye of Leyton Orient management duo Frank Clark and Peter Eustace.“They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my time.“The trial was successful and I signed my first professional contract ten months after being released and just a couple of weeks before my 23rd birthday. It was the best birthday present ever!”After playing in the reserves and learning the game, Otto eventually got the chance to make his league debut when he was made sub for Orient’s fourth-tier game at Fulham in 1991, just 15 months after his release.He continued: “It was the last game of the season. I played the last 15 minutes, I should have scored too. But I was on the pitch playing and I had this wonderful feeling of achievement.”The following season he played 32 league games for the O’s, scoring his first goal at Hartlepool in September 1991.Otto said: “It was flattering that Barry Fry — then with Barnet — had watched me play against his side in the London Cup final and was clearly impressed.“When Barry joined Southend in April 1993 he signed me for £100,000. I don’t think I played in a better side at the start of the 1993-94 season.They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my timeRicky OttoSunSport“Had Barry not been headhunted by Birmingham I genuinely believe we would have gone on to make the play-offs in what was the Championship at the end of that season.“We had such a wonderful camaraderie, with wins against big clubs with multi-million-pound budgets like Sunderland, Derby, Stoke and Middlesbrough. We were flying!”Otto’s next move was to link up with Fry again at Birmingham — this time in an £800,000 switch to St Andrew’s.His greatest football memories include his stunning equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1995 FA Cup and playing for City in the Football League Trophy final the same year — when his assist provided the extra-time winner for Paul Tait in front of over 76,000 fans at Wembley.Otto said: “I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.“I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at Wembley.”After Birmingham, Otto played at Charlton, Peterborough and Notts County on loan.It was while he was with County, under Sam Allardyce, that he suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ultimately ended his career.I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at WembleyRicky OttoSunSportHe said: “I did manage to play again but I was never the same player. I’d lost that yard of pace and I always had that twinge of pain when I was playing.”After ten years, he knew his career was over.He added: “Having left school with no qualifications this was a period when I had think what I was going to do for the rest of my life.“Of course, I could have slipped back into my old ways before football but I knew I had to build another chapter to my life.”Instead, he trained as a probation officer, later creating his own consultancy working with offenders and those at risk of offending.Ricky said: “My work has enabled me to engage with some of the country’s most prolific offenders.“Being able to relate to their journey, I am able to use the same old adage that was spoken into my life when incarcerated: Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you.“For nearly 20 years I have primarily worked with adults. However, over the last two years I’ve been working with Walsall Youth Justice Service as a Resettlement Disproportionality Officer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEven more remarkably, father-of-three Ricky is a committed Christian and, after passing his degree in Theology, is Pastor of ARC Birmingham Church. He is currently studying for a Masters degree.Yet in reflection of his extraordinary 56 years, Otto readily admits: “Without a shadow of a doubt, football saved my life.” More

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      Man charged after ex-England footballer, 20, dies in horror crash at ‘car meet’ leaving family & club ‘devastated’

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      A MAN has been charged two years on from the tragic death of a 20-year-old footballer.Sam Harding was struck by a vehicle while at a “car meet” in Warrington, Cheshire, on April 10, 2022.Sam Harding died aged just 20Credit: MEN MediaCheshire Police then launched an investigation.Today, the force said Mason Hodgson has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident. The 23-year-old is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on October 15.Semi-professional footballer Sam, a midfielder, played non-league football with FC United, Runcorn Linnets, Glossop North End and Ashton Athletic among others and also represented England Schoolboys. Read More on FootballPaying tribute to him, Jimmy Whyte, chairman at Ashton Athletic in Wigan, said previously: “Ashton Athletic are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding.”Sam was only at our club for one season and was a huge factor in our improved form since his arrival. “He is a quiet, well-mannered young man and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.”All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time.” Most read in FootballSam’s family described him as a “much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many.”They said: “Our beautiful son was tragically taken away from us on Sunday, April 10, 2022.”We will never ever forget you Sam and will love you forever. Rest in peace sweet angel, love Mum, Dad and Amy xx.” More

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      Tragedy as champion boxer, 17, dies after being ‘stabbed several times outside nightclub’

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      A YOUNG boxer has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in France. Kylian Binard, just 17, was fatally attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning in Subles, near Bayeu, Normandy. Amateur boxer Kylian Binard has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in FranceTributes were paid to the 17-year-oldCredit:
      It took place in the parking lot of the Octavia nightclub.The suspect – identified as a 24-year-old – was apprehended by nightclub security at around 6:40am and held until police arrived.He is accused of stabbing amateur boxer Binard “several times” – in the throat and the back – after a fight broke out as the two left the club.According to the owner, both men were first-time visitors to the club and were members of the last two groups to leave, Remix News report. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he insisted there had been no altercations between the pair earlier in the night to alert security staff.Binard – a champion in Normandy – had reportedly been enjoying a night out when the altercation unfolded. And despite immediate attempts to save his life, Binard sadly died at the scene.Caen’s public prosecutor Joel Garrigue confirmed an investigation is now underway with surveillance footage from the nightclub being looked at. Most read in BoxingThe suspect remains in police custody as authorities continue their inquiries.Binard competed for Saint-Lois Boxing Club and his trainer Jean Metay paid tribute to the tragic teen as he posted a picture of the pair online. Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card More

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      Chris Eubank’s son Joseph found not guilty of dragging girl, 16, along beach and raping her

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      CHRIS Eubank’s son has been found not guilty of dragging a teen girl across a beach and raping her.Joseph Eubank, 27, was accused of attacking the 16-year-old near Brighton Pier on July 16, 2022.Joseph Eubank has been cleared of raping a teen girlCredit: Dan Jessup / Eddie MitchellHe then allegedly messaged her, saying: “Hey pup, are you ready for round two?”Eubank was today found not guilty to two counts of rape following a trial.Lewes Crown Court was told the girl had been out celebrating a birthday with friends before they became separated.She said she was “very drunk”, had lost her phone and was desperately trying to find it to call her friends.Eubank then approached the teen girl, who was stood near the seafront, because he found her attractive.He allegedly dragged her down across the pebbled beach under the pretence of “going to look at the moon”.She claimed in her evidence that he became “aggressive” and forced himself on her near the water,The distraught girl said she managed to call a friend and was found “hysterical, confused and very upset” a short time later.Most read in BoxingEubank admitted he engaged in sexual activity with the alleged victim but said it was “all very fluent and very consensual”.He also claimed the teen looked “completely sober” as they chatted near the beach.Following his acquittal, Judge Christine Laing KC told Eubank: “You need to reflect on what you did that night.”It was not decent behaviour in any way shape or form.”Joseph Eubank is the youngest son of Chris Eubank Sr, who held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995.His brother Chris Jr is also a professional boxer and has fought the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves.Eubank had claimed the sex was consensualCredit: Dan Jessup / Eddie MitchellEubank, left, with his boxer dad and brother Chris Jr More

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      Arsenal legend Lehmann fined £112k as he’s found guilty of property damage after chainsaw attack on neighbour’s garage

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      FORMER Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been found guilty of property damage and attempted fraud following a chainsaw attack on a neighbour’s garage.The German, 54, was fined £112,000 following the verdict at a court in Munich earlier today.Jens Lehmann was found guilty at a Munich courtCredit: APLehmann, 54, played for Arsenal between 2003 and 2011 across two stintsCredit: GettyLehmann had been accused of using a chainsaw to hack through the roof beams on his neighbour’s garage by Lake Starnberg, which is in the Bavaria region of Germany.The alleged incident was said to have taken place during the summer of 2022.He was initially found guilty last December, being slapped with a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay more a fine worth more than £350,000.The former Gunner subsequently launched an appeal, as did Munich prosecutors.READ MORE ON ARSENALAccording to local reports in Germany, a deal was reached between prosecutors and Lehmann’s lawyers prior to the trial’s resumption this morning.Following this morning’s session, Lehmann’s legal representative Florian Ufer gave an update – with his client having also been on trial for alleged unpaid parking fees.He said: “Mr Lehmann accepts responsibility.”He has come to an agreement with his neighbour. The parking fees have been paid.”Most read in FootballLehmann’s initial £350,000 fine was reduced to around £112,000.He is also claimed to have paid his neighbour around £50,000 in order to close the matter.Arsenal chief executive Tim Lewis fails to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass after dramatic Etihad drawFollowing the out-of-court settlement, criminal charges against Lehmann regarding the alleged chainsaw attack were dropped.A spokesperson for Munich District Court had said: “This is not the same as a confession.”The guilty verdict from the first instance was accepted and is therefore legally binding.”Now the question is how much the fine will be.”Lehmann played 200 times for Arsenal across two spells; between 2003 and 2008, and during a brief return in 2011.He was a member of the Gunners’ Invincibles side in the 2003-04 season, and won a further FA Cup under Arsene Wenger.Earlier this week it was revealed that Lehmann’s driver’s license was confiscated last Sunday.He had been in attendance at Oktoberfest while wearing lederhosen, and was later stopped by cops for alleged drink-driving.READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to German outlet Bild, Lehmann was “staggering and smelled of alcohol”.Breath tests were abandoned with Lehmann “unable to blow” – with the ex-keeper instead taken to the police station for further testing.Lehmann was a member of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ sideCredit: Getty More

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      Horror as football match abandoned after machete-wielding hooligans spark brawl in stands and players are forced to flee

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      A FOOTBALL match in Colombia was suspended last night after a huge fight broke out in the stands, leaving at least 20 people injured.The Prima A clash between Atletico Nacional and Atletico Junior descended into chaos in the second half as Marino Hinestroza made it 2-0 to the hosts.A huge brawl broke out in the stands at the Atanasio Girardot StadiumFans in the away section jumped into the home end to attack the home supportersSome fans were wielding knives, machetes and sticksVisiting fans allegedly jumped into the home section, sparking a huge brawl with Nacional supporters.Players watched the horror scenes unfold before referee Nolberto Ararat officially paused the match.They eventually rushed back to the dressing room when the fight spilled onto the pitch.Some rioters could be seen wielding knives, sticks and machetes as the chaos escalated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDesperate fans attempted to jump down to the lower stand to get away from the danger.According to reports in Colombia, at least 20 people were injured with many taken to nearby medical centres.Those who suffered injuries were taken down to the lower part of the Atanasio Girardot Stadium for treatment from the Red Cross.Riot police were forced to intervene, but the brawl spilled onto the outskirts of the stadium.Most read in FootballAccording to regional newspaper El Heraldo, stun grenades were heard as police attempted to disperse the crowds.The match was eventually abandoned after 55 minutes due to the violence.Manuel Villa, Medellin’s Secretary of Security, later condemned the horrific violence.He said: “Football should be a celebration of peace, and the culture of football is a collective commitment.”But if someone doesn’t understand that, they have no place in this celebration: those masquerading as fans who create these situations and act outside the law are not fans, but criminals and should be treated as such. Irresponsible! “There will be sanctions, and measures will be taken as necessary.” More

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      Premier League clubs with the most football fans arrested at games revealed – is your team on the list?

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      THE Premier League clubs with the worst-behaved fans have been revealed in a shocking new league of shame.Fresh Home Office figures reveal which English clubs have topped the table for the most supporters arrested and banned last season.Supporters of West Ham United ranked first for number of arrests in new Home Office figuresCredit: PAManchester City fans were not too far behind with 88 arrestsCredit: APTeams in two major UK cities made up the shortlist of ardent fans nabbed by cops on matchday.West Ham United die-hards took the cake for the highest number of arrests, with 103.Second was Manchester City with 88, third Manchester United also with 88, fourth Arsenal with 85 and fifth Chelsea with 67.The most common offence was public disorder.read more football newsArrests rose by 14 per cent to 2,584 in connection with club and international football.Home Office statistics also revealed that there are now 2,172 banning orders in place in England and Wales, up from 1,624 a year ago.That included 821 new bans – with those serving them ordered to surrender passports and report to police stations when key matches are taking place.And following the barmy summer exploits at Euro 2024, 180 arrests were made in England and Wales of fans returning from host nation Germany after they were identified by both UK and German police during the tournament.Most read in FootballCheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the country’s top football cop, said: “Last year we arrested more than 2,500 people, a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous season.“The number of banning orders is the highest figure for nearly a decade, meaning that they cannot attend any matches, including those at international tournaments.Liverpool and Man City fans clash in huge fight on the tube before Community Shield“This undoubtedly contributed to the improvement we have seen in terms of the total number of incidents.“That is still above pre-pandemic levels but it’s encouraging to see them stabilising and going in the right direction.”He added: “It is important that these figures are put into context.“Last season around 47 million people attended men’s domestic and international matches, the highest number we have on record, and the vast majority of football fans are law-abiding citizens who want to support their team.“However, there are a small number of fans who commit offences, and we will continue to work closely with the CPS and our other partners to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.The return of hooliganismAcross the continent, authorities are struggling to control hooliganism — often aimed at travelling English fans, who receive massive police protection as continental supporters try to test their reputation for street brawling.Two months ago in Milan a Newcastle United fan was stabbed in the stomach by a machete-wielding yob in a balaclava.This season was Brighton and Hove Albion’s first taste of competitive European football.But last month in Athens, tear gas aimed by police at riotous fans of the defeated home team AEK ended up choking Brighton supporters.In May, West Ham players tried to intervene when hooded fans of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar piled into the section of the stadium where the English team’s families were sitting.Football’s ruling bodies fear the return of the hooliganism from decades ago, which in 1985 saw English teams banned from Europe for five years after the deaths of 39 mostly Italian fans in the riot at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.“We’re also working closely with social media companies to ensure that action can be taken against those responsible for online hate crimes.“Collectively, we need to make football a safe environment for the overwhelming majority of fans who want to enjoy the game, and anyone who commits a criminal offence either outside or inside a football ground.”The Sun has reached out to all the aforementioned clubs for comment.Arsenal will be disappointed with the news given their efforts in recent yearsCredit: PAA shocking 88 fans flocking to Old Trafford were arrested for public disorder offencesCredit: GettySupporters of Chelsea ranked fifth on the shortlistCredit: Getty More

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      Police detain SIXTY armed fans with knives and other weapons after trying to avoid escort to Europa League clash

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      GERMAN police have detained armed Lazio fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg.About 60 away fans were stopped by the authorities after attempting to avoid a police escort.German police have arrested about 60 armed Lazio fans before the game with Dynamo KievCredit: GettyCops claim the supporters were found to be carrying knives, clubs and other weapons.Those fans were checked late Tuesday and detained until Wednesday.Lazio released a statement which confirmed the fans held overnight have been banned from attending the game at the Volksparkstadion.However, the Serie A giants also announced that there were no arrests.Read More on FootballUkrainian giants Dynamo are playing their home games in Hamburg this season because of the war in their homeland after Russia’s illegal invasion back in 2022.Lazio have been hit with numerous sanctions both in Serie A and Europe because of fan trouble throughout the years.Last March, a Lazio fan was arrested and fined for giving a Nazi salute inside the beer hall where Hitler founded the party before a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.A year earlier, a fan wearing a shirt with a reference to Hitler was slapped with a lifetime ban from attending Lazio matches by the Roman club. Most read in Europa LeagueAuthorities reviewed security camera footage from inside the Olimpico of the fan wearing a Lazio shirt that read “Hitlerson” and the No88, which is a numerical code for “Heil Hitler”.Football hooligans started the SPFL season with a brawl in Paisley as St Mirren met Hibs Two seasons ago, the Laziali were ordered to play a Serie A game with part of their home ground closed to spectators after fans directed racist chants at opposing players. More